Common Name: King of mushrooms, dancing mushroom, cloud mushroom, hen of woods

How It Works

Bottom Line: Maitake demonstrated anticancer effects in laboratory studies. Research is underway to test its anticancer effects in humans.

Maitake is a mushroom that traditionally has been used in Japan and China as part of the diet and to treat diabetes and hypertension. Like other medicinal mushrooms, maitake contains a complex sugar called a beta-glucan. In laboratory studies, maitake extract was able to stimulate various cells and factors in the immune system. Studies in animals show that it slows the growth of certain tumors and lowers blood glucose (sugar) levels. More studies are being conducted to determine if maitake has the same effects in humans.

Purported Uses

To prevent and treat cancer
Laboratory studies and small uncontrolled studies in humans show that maitake extracts slow the growth of tumors and stimulate certain immune cells.

To manage diabetes
itake reduces blood glucose levels in rats.

To lower high cholesterol
No scientific evidence supports this use.

To lower high blood pressure
There are no studies to support this claim.

As an immune stimulant
aitake stimulates the activity of certain immune cells in laboratory studies and in mice.

To lose weight
This claim is not backed by research.

Do Not Take If

You are taking hypoglycemic medications to lower your blood sugar, as maitake can increase their effects.

You are taking warfarin, as maitake may interact with warfarin resulting in an elevated international normalized ratio (INR).

Clinical Summary

Maitake mushroom is an edible mushroom consumed widely in Asia as food and used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes and hypertension. Maitake extracts are commercially available as dietary supplements marketed to “enhance immune function” and to treat HIV and cancer. Beta 1,6-glucan, a protein bound polysaccharide, has been identified as the active constituent.

Maitake extracts exhibited hypoglycemic effects in a few studies (9)(12). Preliminary data suggest that maitake may be useful in inducing ovulation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (22).

Maitake is thought to exert its effects through its ability to activate various effector cells, such as macrophages, natural killer cells, and T cells, as well as interleukin-1 and superoxide anions (2)(3)(4)(13). Studies also suggest possible hypoglycemic activity (9). The anti-diabetic effect of alpha-glucan may be due to its effects on insulin receptors by increasing insulin sensitivity and ameliorating insulin resistance of peripheral target tissues (12).
Maitake extract enhanced the growth and differentiation of mouse bone marrow cells treated with doxorubicin, a chemotherapeutic agent (11). In addition, maitake extract may modulate antigen presentation as evidenced by protection of mice against tumor implantation following transfer of dendritic cells from tumor-bearing mice that were treated with maitake extract (15).
Maitake D fraction demonstrated antitumor activity by upregulating expression of a proapoptotic gene, BAK-1 (23). In another study the beta glucan GFPBW1 also showed antitumor effects thought partially due to activation of macrophages via the Dectin-1/Syk/NF-κB signaling pathway (24).

Contraindications

Maitake may not be appropriate for those taking hypoglycemic medications as it can have synergistic effects (9).

Herb-Drug Interactions

Warfarin: Maitake may interact with warfarin resulting in an elevated international normalized ratio (INR).

Herb Lab Interactions

May lower blood glucose level.

Purpose of this published study is scientific information and education, it should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. This website is designed for general education and information purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment.

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